Intel ships first desktop CPUs with Execute Disable Bit technology

Intel yesterday shipped its first desktop processors supporting the new Execute Disable Bit technology which is equals to AMD and Transmeta technology which is used in Windows XP Service Pack 2 to render some viruses ineffective.

The chip giant also introduced its first Socket T Celeron chips.
Intel's EDB-enabled processors include both new and old models. All of them are indicated by a 'J' after the CPU model number.

The technology is now incorporated into all 90nm, Socket T Pentium 4 5xx processors, from the 520 to the 560, through a new core version, E-0. Older versions, based on the D-0 core, are still available alongside the E-0 parts. Prices remain unchanged: the 520 and 520J are $163; the 530 and 530J, $178; the 540 and 540J, $218; the 550 and 550J, $278; and the 560 and 560J, $417;

The 340J is a new clock speed for the Celeron desktop line, and was accompanied by a second new model, the 340.

Intel's 90nm mobile Celeron M 350 and 360 also made an appearance on the company's price list yesterday, at $107 and $134, respectively. So did the already announced $262 Mobile Pentium 4 548.

Next up for a 'J' release is Intel's 64-bit Xeon DP chip, 'Nocona'. These were expected to have made an appearance at the end of September, but as yet they have not been added to Intel's official price list.

Execute Disable Bit allows the CPU to be set not to run code stored in 'data-only' sections of memory. That, it's hoped, will block a number of viruses that hide within such areas of RAM.